I have looked behind the “Green Curtain” (Wizard of Oz) enough to know there are often ulterior motives and self interest, but the Sheriff is required by law to fill the position of special sheriff, General Laws of Massachusetts Chapter 37, and is not a “hack” position made up for a friend.

The Sheriff has been talking with Perry about taking this position since he was a state rep. well before his run for Congress, so this is not a consolation prize either.

For budgetary reasons the job has been filled by an unpaid retired volunteer for a couple of years and the duties have been parceled out and handled by others.

By all accounts it appears the Sheriff has done a remarkable job considering the problem many towns, counties and state agencies have – less money. The Sheriff has managed to tread the budgetary waters adequately because he has surrounded himself with highly qualified, dedicated overachievers willing to do more with less. Things were difficult but manageable until last November.

Perry lost his race (available) and Dave Vieira won his (not available). State Rep. Dave Vieira held a couple of those critical positions at the Sheriff’s dept. Vieira was required by law to give up his salary and position, which have been divided up to several others. These are significant reasons why the Sheriff could no longer tread water and had to find a very strong and capable leader to help manage the department. Jeff Perry not only fits that mold, he is the perfect second in command to lead this group.

We can have the debate about changing the State law and eliminating the Special Sheriff position or even having the commonwealth take over the County responsibilities completely, like the parole board, turnpike authority, lottery, MWRA etc. Until then I prefer local control where I can vote for or against a county sheriff.

These actions may not be popular but I commend the Sheriff for having the guts to do what is in the best interest of the county, knowing many would disapprove. He could have taken the typical and easy way out by appointing a “blue ribbon search committee,” let someone else make the decision and avoid all criticism. I also commend Jeff Perry for stepping up to this responsibility rather than quietly returning to his law practice where he could make much more money, avoid all the negative press and media “crap storm.”

In the middle of this feeding frenzy, because I know and respect both men, there is one more thing I chose to consider.

Both men call Cape Cod home, they live and work here. So do their children, grandchildren, their families and friends. Both are passionately involved with the people, the community and causes here. Is it possible that both may believe in their hearts that they are doing what is right for the Cape?

Sometimes, behind that “Green Curtain” is not an evil wizard but a decent man trying to do the right thing.